El Paso's Next Astronaut Is...

A local teen's winning essay earns her a trip to Florida to see Danny Olivas launch into space. Sonia Skye Tapscott, 13, was surprised at home by KFOX News Anchor Hema Mullur Tuesday afternoon. Mullur arrived with a balloon bouquet and news of how Tapscott won the essay contest entitled, "El Paso’s Next Astronaut."

The contest, sponsored by Price's Creameries and KFOX, challenged students ages 7-14 to write in100 words or less their reasons for wanting to be El Paso's next astronaut. The contest commemorates the second space flight for El Paso astronaut, Danny Olivas, who is slated to make a trip to the International Space Station later this month.

Tapscott attends Harmony Science Academy. She said it was her experiences in science class learning about the solar system that made her want to be just like Olivas. "I think the sky is just beautiful. And we have a couple of books, and it's just amazing. You look at them and everything is just so bright and it's like, in my essay I put, entering a different dimension, it's amazing," said Tapscott.

Tapscott won a trip for four to Orlando to watch Olivas' next launch. Her parents said they'll buy one extra ticket to make sure everyone in the family of five can come along.

Sonia Skye Tapscott's Essay
Age: 13
"I could be El Paso’s next Astronaut because I love space. I’ve never been in an airplane before, but to be able to see the beauty that God created would be like entering a completely different dimension. In my science classes we learn about the universe and our Galaxy. I become fascinated with the pictures and videos of our moon and solar system. We own a few books about the solar system, but to be able to see those things in real life would be amazing. It would mean so much to me to go in space and witness creation."